FreeBSD encrypted ZFS root in Vultr hosting

During some rclone thoughts and tries, I had to build a FreeBSD VM in the Cloud. Because I got a trial coupon from Vultr, I tried building a VM there. And because I come from OpenBSD, I looked a encrypting the FreeBSD root file-system. Here’s how I did it.

The process is really simple and straight forward. Vultr provides console access and ISO support to boot the system. This way, installing FreeBSD is done “comme à la maison”.

Create FreeBSD VM from ISO Library

Simple create the VM specifying the FreeBSD 11.1 RELEASE x86_64 from the ISO Library in the Server Type section.

Deploy New Server

Select Server Location

Select Server Type from ISO Library

Use FreeBSD 11.1 RELEASE x86_64

Select Server Size

Input Server Hostname and Label

Have the VM boot

The VM will boot from the ISO. So connect to the virtual console and proceed to FreeBSD installation.

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The server will reboot using the ISO. So you have to shut the VM down, unmount the ISO and reboot to gain access to your system.